Velcro for electrical components

[Sperkowsky]

We personally stick to zip ties except on the radio where we use Duralock.

[juchong]

Originally Posted by pfreivald

We've used "industrial strength" hook-and-loop (Velcro) for mounting all of our pneumatics since at least 2010 and never had a single issue. Why wouldn't you recommend it?

From what I've observed, the cheap, "fuzzy" Velcro keeps things from falling off, but doesn't keep them from moving/flexing. Since robots are expected to go over bumps and traverse rough terrain this year, I would worry about the Velcro failing and a connector coming in contact with the robot frame.

In addition, the more electrical components are allowed to move/shake, the more likely they are to disconnect. Added strain on wires and connectors can make a bad crimp fail or a spring-loaded connector release a wire.

If I were inspecting robots, I would not pass anyone who used only "fuzzy" Velcro to attach their electronics. If "industrial" Velcro was used, I would spot check the components and make sure that nothing was in danger of failure.

[Philip Arola]

As far as I can recall, we have bolted down nearly all our electronics, with the exception of last minute gadgets.
If you cannot drill into the surface, VHB is one of the most annoyingly powerful adhesives I've ever had the pleasure of using. Which, coincidentally, is included in the KoP this year.

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by juchong

From what I've observed, the cheap, "fuzzy" Velcro keeps things from falling off, but doesn't keep them from moving/flexing. Since robots are expected to go over bumps and traverse rough terrain this year, I would worry about the Velcro failing and a connector coming in contact with the robot frame.

In addition, the more electrical components are allowed to move/shake, the more likely they are to disconnect. Added strain on wires and connectors can make a bad crimp fail or a spring-loaded connector release a wire.

If I were inspecting robots, I would not pass anyone who used only "fuzzy" Velcro to attach their electronics. If "industrial" Velcro was used, I would spot check the components and make sure that nothing was in danger of failure.

I've never done FRC inspecting but from my ftc inspecting experience you can not just fail someone for a poor design choice. For instance this weekend I had a team who used fuzzy Velcro to vertically mount their ZTE phone. Would I ever do this no... But I couldn't fail them for it. I did recommend zip ties for the day and for them to build a more permanent solution. After I found out they had a 3d printer I pointed them towards some files I found on grab cad. But, those were only suggestions if their phone falls off mid match and gets destroyed it was their fault.

[pfreivald]

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky

I've never done FRC inspecting but from my ftc inspecting experience you can not just fail someone for a poor design choice. For instance this weekend I had a team who used fuzzy Velcro to vertically mount their ZTE phone. Would I ever do this no... But I couldn't fail them for it. I did recommend zip ties for the day and for them to build a more permanent solution. After I found out they had a 3d printer I pointed them towards some files I found on grab cad. But, those were only suggestions if their phone falls off mid match and gets destroyed it was their fault.

We've used fuzzy (industrial strength hook and loop) Velcro for years, and have played some absolutely ridiculously aggressive defense, and never had an issue. Failing inspection for using a proven method that isn't against the rules would be infuriating.

[FrankJ]

One year we held the battery in with Velcro (actually hook & loop, but Velcro is shorter to type). No issues with them coming loose even with the robot upside down. They where difficult to change. I wouldn't recommend it. We continue to use a Velcro strap to secure the battery. We use Velcro to hold the radio. No issues ever even with inspectors.

I do perform FRC inspections. You don't fail robots for poor design choices except for where that design choice violates a specific rule. Like using hook & loop tape on bumpers. Using Velcro for securing things may or not be a good design choice depending on the application.